How Narrative CVs reshape research assessment in practice
16 Nov 2026, 2pm–3:15pm
Prestige-driven metrics have long dominated research evaluation – but they are now under growing scrutiny from researchers, funders, and policymakers alike.
In response, Narrative CVs have been introduced as a key instrument in research assessment reform. They aim to broaden notions of scientific excellence, recognise diverse forms of knowledge and contribution, and support healthier, more innovative research cultures.
But how do Narrative CVs actually work in practice, and what difference do they make to evaluation processes?
Join us for the concluding webinar of NARRATIVES, a two-year research project by the Research on Research Institute (RoRI), co-created with RoRI Partners the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), and the Volkswagen Foundation.
Despite their growing popularity with funders and institutions, there is still limited empirical evidence on how Narrative CVs are used by reviewers, how they shape panel discussions, and what conditions enable them to deliver on their reform ambitions. The NARRATIVES project addresses this gap through in-depth qualitative research, including participant observation of funding panel meetings and interviews with panel members across multiple funding rounds.
At this event, RoRI research fellows Judit Varga and Wolfgang Kaltenbrunner will present the project’s key findings. They will show that while Narrative CVs do encourage reviewers to engage with a broader range of qualities and achievements, they cannot deliver meaningful change on their own. For Narrative CVs to reach their full potential, they need to be accompanied by wider organisational measures and supportive conditions, pointing to the need for a more holistic approach to research evaluation and research culture reform.
The event will also mark the official launch of the final NARRATIVES Working Paper alongside a new ‘RoRI Insights’ booklet, offering practical, actionable recommendations for funders on implementing Narrative CVs.
Programme
15:00–16:15 CET (NL/Europe) / 14:00–15:15 GMT (UK)
- 15:00–15:05 – Opening and welcome
Sean Sapcariu (Programme Manager, Luxembourg National Research Fund) - 15:05–15:35 – Presentation of the NARRATIVES project findings
Judit Varga & Wolfgang Kaltenbrunner (Research Fellows, RoRI) - 15:35–15:40 – Response
Karen Stroobants (Vice Chair, Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment) - 15:40–16:15 – Open discussion
